Warriors of God: Richard the Lionheart and Saladin in the Third Crusade

This extremely well-written book retells the history of the Third Crusade, and gives the reader life histories of the two most famous protagonists, Richard of England and Saladin. We see how the Crusade came to be, and we are taken through its complete history, from its glorious beginning to its ignominious end. Richard is presented as an almost larger than life warrior, but a very impetuous man whose moods fluctuated greatly during his life. Saladin shows up as a more measured person, tactically skilled, but also, at times, exceedingly benevolent toward his enemies. The book is written for the general reader, and it accomplishes its purpose well: informing us of some of the root causes of the Muslim frustration with the West that exists until today.

History at its best! The triangle of Phillip, RIchard and Saladin is a story that everyone should know. All three could be ruthless, crazy and oddly devoted (well except for Phillip of France). First time readers of the Crusdaes will learn why there are still hostilities in the Middle East. It also makes it easier to understand why Muslims would be greatly offended by saying that the USA was on a "Crusade to end terrorism" (note to George W. Bush - you may want to brush up on your history!) How factual is this book? well it is hard to say, but it seems to collaborate with everything else I have read about the Richard, Phillip and Saladin. Was Richard and Phillip homosexual lovers... where is the evidence... well from all accounts it seems like their undergoing the crusading vow was their direct punishment from the Pope. Whatever their relationship it is both clear that enjoyed each others company while young but hated each other during their time spent during their crusading alliance. Also, all of Da Vinci Code buffs out there... this makes a decent follow-up (although there are several books on the Templers that may prove to be more entertaining to you). Reston sets a very nice pace throughout the work, and is able to buid suspense. I think that this is one of the rare works taht has the ability to transcend the genre of history and become enjoyed by all readers.

As I write this review, the dust is still settling after the terrorist attacks in New York and here in Washington. This book gives tremendous insight into the minds of those who would wreck havoc in the name of faith. This book reminds us that the struggle between faiths in the Holy Land has been going on for millenia -- since well before Saladin and Richard the Lionheart. Mr. Reston presents these leaders in an illuminating light, and provides a context for today's events. His writing style is clear, concise and informative. I enjoyed this book tremendously and learned a great deal from it.

Reston weaves a spectacular tapestry of the Third Crusade by following the heroics (and frailties) of Richard Lionheart and the great Muslim Sultan Saladin. While describing the campaign and his protagonists in detail so realistic that the reader almost feels like he is a participant, the suthor also provides the background of the politics and intrigue of 12th century Europe with its heroes and villains. The storis of Eleanor of Aquitaine would have made this a fascinating book by themselves, but intermingled with the other characters and adventures, the story reads almost like fiction. Reston is a formidable researcher and writes in a clear and flowing style that brings both the period and the individuals to life. I didn't learn a lot of new facts, but the texture provided gave ne a much clearer picture and greater appreciation of this epic period.

This is it. Reston has taken an important piece of history and its main characters, Richard the Lionheart and Saladin, and brought them to life. With clarity and detail, we are taken into 12th Century Middle East and European politics surrounding Jerusalem. At the same time we also learn new facts exposing a critical component of the conflicts gripping the same region today. The Third Crusade was sparked by the actions of Chatillon, Price of Kerak, a European stronghold in the Middle East. Despite a peace treaty, Chatillon attacked a camel train belonging to Saladin. When the European King of Jerusalem demand Chatillon make restitution, Chatillon replied: "Just as he is the lord of his land, I am the lord of my land. I have no truce with the Arabs." As Reston writes, "Chatillon's treachery had elevated Saladin prestige throughout his empire and made his cause righteous...A chain reaction began." Change a few words and this could be written about the conflict in the Middle East during the last year.From this starting point the book just gets better with an understanding that only an experienced historian can develop and a storytelling that only a gifted writer can produce. Reston has proved himself both. This is a worthy companion to his earlier books, Galileo, A Life and The Last Apocalypse.